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Along the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For five years, a prominent hotel on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Travellers find no available accommodations, pedestrians are squeezed through tight corridors, and commercial tenants have abandoned the building.

Remedial work commenced in 2020 and was initially projected to last a few months, but now fed-up residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Prolonged Deadlines

The main contractor, the main contractor, says it will be "near the finish" of 2026 before the initial parts of the structure can be dismantled.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has described it as a "negative feature" on the area, while heritage campaigners say the work is "very troublesome".

What is going on with this notoriously protracted project?

A Troubled History

The establishment with 136 rooms was developed on the site of the previous regional authority offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts began soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

Part of the road and a large section of footpath leading up to the junction of the historic street have been rendered unusable by the development.

People on foot going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced in a line into a narrow, covered walkway.

A dining establishment Ondine departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a comment, its management said building work had obliged them to change the restaurant's appearance, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also home to popular eatery a chain – which has hung large notices on the structure to remind customers it is open for business.

Missed Deadlines

An communication to the council's transport and environment committee in early this year stated that the process of "uncovering" the frontage would start in February, with a complete dismantling by the close of the year.

But the firm has said that is not the case, referencing "extremely complex" construction issues for the delay.

"We expect starting to remove parts of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with subsequent enhancements ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we provide an enhanced site for the local area."

Community and Heritage Concerns

Rowan Brown, director of conservation group the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for development.

She said those involved in the project had a "civic responsibility" to lessen disturbance and should blend the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the walking experience in that section exceptionally challenging.

"I don't understand why there is not some attempt to integrate it into the streetscape or develop something more aesthetic and cutting-edge."

Ongoing Efforts

A official statement said work on "solutions to beautify the site" was in progress.

They stated: "We recognize the irritations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This has been a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the difficulty and size of the repair work required, however we are committed to concluding this necessary work as soon as is possible."

Ms Meagher said the local authority would "maintain pressure" on those accountable to finish the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the frustration of residents and local businesses over these ongoing postponements.

"However, I also recognize that the company has a responsibility to make the building secure and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."